By Mustapha Salisu
Leaders and stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State have reaffirmed Malam Ibrahim Khalil as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election, insisting that the outcome of the party’s primary election must be respected.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Sunday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Kano, members of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team (ESILT) said Khalil emerged winner of the May 22, 2026 governorship primary with 55,851 votes, defeating his opponent who scored 4,000 votes.
The party leaders said their endorsement of the Islamic scholar was based on his popularity, loyalty to the party and his ability to unite people across different religious and social backgrounds.
According to them, Kano remains a key state in Northern Nigeria, and they believe Ibrahim Khalil possesses the capacity to strengthen the party and boost its chances in the 2027 general elections.
“The election was clear: there was a winner and a loser. Our endorsement is not just about the primary results but a strategic decision based on Kano’s political history and local realities,” the leaders said.
The stakeholders also accused former Deputy National Chairman (Values and Ethics), Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammad, of interfering in the affairs of the Kano chapter, describing her actions as unconstitutional and contrary to the party’s guidelines.
They alleged that she attempted to stop the announcement of the primary election results and sought to replace genuine stakeholders with her loyalists, stressing that no national officer has the power to dictate the affairs of a state chapter.
“The ADC Constitution defines the powers of each organ, and no provision empowers the Deputy National Chairman to superintend over state chapters,” the statement read.
The leaders dismissed concerns over Ibrahim Khalil’s financial strength, citing past governors including Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Ibrahim Shekarau, who they said emerged victorious despite facing wealthier opponents.
They called on the national leadership of the party to stop what they described as external interference and warned that ignoring the wishes of party members could lead to serious consequences for the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections. They further declared that the Kano chapter would continue to stand by Ibrahim Khalil and defend the mandate given to him by party members.